I love Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday. Though there’s so much to do and prepare for, it really is a magical time of the year. This year was no exception.
Getting Ready for Christmas
Leading up to Christmas is such a busy time. Budgeting gifts, checking lists, watching our money disappear, etc. But we also have so much to do for the schools.
Austin’s 1st-grade group put on the cutest Christmas Program. It made the rest of the world disappear. And it truly brought Christmas cheer to everyone who was there!
Then Braden performed in a Christmas Concert that same week. He’s first chair French Horn, and we couldn’t be prouder! We were so pleased to hear how well they all performed. It’s clear that this is a good group of kids. We also stayed for the 8th grade, and they put on a wonderful performance as well.
Christmas in Texas
We start with the Christmas Party in Pottboro, TX. This is a gathering of Mike’s aunts and uncles and all the cousins and their kids, too. It’s always so much fun. I really do enjoy this visit. Austin was counting down the miles until we got there because he was so excited to see his cousins, twins Cade and Sawyer. He was not disappointed.
Food was fantastic – Olive Garden buffet! And so many breadsticks! The company was amazing. Fun games for the kids and wonderful presents all around. And we even got a visit from Santa, who was one of the greatest Santas I had ever seen. So much so that Austin had to hug him before he left.
Baking Fun
Fast forward to another weekend, and we actually had time to do some baking. First up, though, were the gingerbread houses. They did not disappoint. Though a few roofs kept falling and Braden ate some of his structure (and the people!), it was a great time.
Then came the time for cookies. Devin helped make the Snickerdoodles. Dad and Santa both love the same type! And Austin helped me with the sugar cookies. Devin, Braden, and Austin helped to decorate those. Santa’s going to love them!
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve was so much fun! We went to Mass with Laura and the service was fantastic. They even had a real donkey to show the kids!
Then we went to IHOP for dinner. It was so nice to sit and talk and just relax there. Good food and good company.
When we got home, we let the kids open a single gift. Devin opened a framed soccer player picture from Braden. He truly loved it. Braden got a new cross ring. And Austin got some Marvel squishies, the kind you can pull and stretch, and they don’t break. Everyone seemed happy!
Christmas Day
Christmas Day was wonderful, chaotic, and awesome. Just like it should be. The kids seemed so happy. Laura and Elise also seemed to have a good time. And instead of the traditional turkey this year, we did a taco bar. It seemed to be a huge hit. Plus, it seemed easier to deal with. We might update our traditions to this!
This year may be coming to a close, but we’re going to go out in a happy, family-centric way. And we’ll enjoy every minute of it!